The sharp sea air and the biting tongue of Beth O'Donnell invigorate the lovely coastal village of Mellingham. Younger sister of one of Mellingham's most prominent residents, Beth arrives uninvited, unexpected, and unwelcome every two years from New York City to renew her shaky relationship with her generous brother and to share her venomous view of life with anyone who will listen. Her current visit will be her last. Surrounded by her brother and sister-in-law's cocktail party guests, Beth insults anyone who catches her interest. She sends a dart to test the thickness of a young editor's skin; she threatens another young man who only wants to do his job; a knowing look at an older woman unaccountably strikes fear into the other woman's heart. Those who have met Beth before move quickly away, eager to escape someone who is as intensely disliked as her brother is loved. Chief of Police Joe Silva has plenty of suspects as he investigates the murder of the perfect victim, a woman whose death brings relief instead of sorrow. A thoughtful, attractive man, Chief Silva had hoped never to encounter another murder when he moved to Mellingham, but he soon recovers his old investigative skills and discovers exceptional depths in the members of his force. He also finds unexpected secrets behind the polished facades of the moneyed families of Mellingham. With a kindly and humorous eye, the author takes us into a world now eclipsed by suburban tracts and shopping malls, a world as refreshing as a cool ocean breeze.